TX STATE BASKETBALL — Who’s Poised to Finish the Job?
With the Alamodome stage set, the teams still standing in the 2024–25 UIL basketball season have survived every style imaginable — speed, size, pressure, and chaos. Now it comes down to execution and star power.
Here are the teams and standout players most positioned to win across the upper classifications, where depth, composure, and late-game shot-making matter most.
BOYS STATE FINALS CONTENDERS
6A Boys — Duncanville
Why they can win:
Duncanville’s ability to defend multiple actions and win ugly games separates them from the field. They’ve proven they don’t need pace to score — they can grind.
Standout to watch:
Kayden “Bugg” Edwards (G) — Elite downhill scorer with playoff composure. When games tighten late, Duncanville trusts him to get a bucket or draw contact.
X-factor:
Defensive rebounding late. If Duncanville closes possessions, they’re extremely hard to beat.
6A Boys — Denton Guyer
Why they can win:
Guyer’s spacing and guard play have been decisive all postseason. They’re comfortable playing from behind and lethal when confidence builds.
Standout to watch:
Silas Rodriguez (G) — Shot-maker with no hesitation. He’s shown he can deliver the biggest shot of the game.
X-factor:
Turnover margin. When Guyer protects the ball, their offense snowballs quickly.
5A Boys — Beaumont West Brook
Why they can win:
Physical, disciplined, and playoff-tested. West Brook thrives in close games and doesn’t flinch in late possessions.
Standout to watch:
Lead guard play (committee approach) — Not a one-man show, but steady decision-making has defined their run.
X-factor:
Free throws late. West Brook wins if they close at the line.
4A Boys — Dallas Kimball
Why they can win:
Kimball’s athleticism and transition offense have overwhelmed opponents, but their improved half-court patience is what has pushed them this far.
Standout to watch:
Primary wing scorers who can finish through contact and defend multiple positions.
X-factor:
Shot selection early. If Kimball stays composed, they control tempo.
GIRLS STATE FINALS CONTENDERS
6A Girls — Humble Summer Creek
Why they can win:
Battle-tested and mentally tough. Summer Creek has already proven they can erase large deficits and thrive under pressure.
Standout to watch:
Kennedy Simpson (G) — A closer. Can score from the floor or the line, and doesn’t shy away from the moment.
X-factor:
Defense creating offense. When Summer Creek forces turnovers, momentum flips fast.
6A Girls — Fort Worth Boswell
Why they can win:
Boswell’s physicality and balance make them difficult to scheme against. They don’t rely on one scorer — they rely on control.
Standout to watch:
Sydney Durrah (G) — Tough, efficient, and active defensively. Impacts games without forcing shots.
X-factor:
Offensive rebounding. Extra possessions tilt games in Boswell’s favor.
5A Girls — Denton Ryan
Why they can win:
Ryan’s discipline and defensive structure have carried them all season. They rarely beat themselves.
Standout to watch:
Primary ball handler who manages pace and limits mistakes.
X-factor:
Three-point efficiency. When Ryan stretches the floor, they’re in full control.
4A Girls — Decatur
Why they can win:
Balanced scoring and composure. Decatur has quietly handled pressure and dictated games through execution.
Standout to watch:
Interior presence controlling rebounds and paint touches.
X-factor:
Third-quarter runs. Decatur has consistently separated after halftime.